‘He Has Something Special’ — Robert Griffin III Defends Shedeur Sanders After Shocking First-Round Snub

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books. As expected, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter was picked on Day 1. However, things took a surprising turn when Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round.

The 23-year-old quarterback now leads the list of top players still available for Day 2. But missing out on the first round has likely hurt his draft stock, and there is a controversy surrounding his draft snub. In response, former NFL quarterback and Heisman winner Robert Griffin III stepped up to defend Sanders.

Robert Griffin III Speaks Out After Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected First-Round Draft Snub

Following his first-round snub, a major controversy has already erupted on social media. Since Sanders is Black, some are accusing the draft board of racism. However, many fans have handled the situation with perspective, pointing out that the top three picks on Day 1 were all Black athletes. That helped calm things down a bit.

If somebody tells you Shedeur Sanders doesn’t do anything special, just know they are full of it and haven’t watched his tape. That’s just pure hate and hopping on a narrative tearing him down for clicks. So tired of hearing it. pic.twitter.com/3qvPKKgi9Z

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 25, 2025

Still, another group of critics is questioning Coach Prime’s son based on his performance and attitude. Some say his behavior during interviews may have turned teams off. Others point to his high sack count—94 sacks over two seasons—as a possible red flag about his ability to handle pressure.

Thankfully, former NFL QB Griffin came to Sanders’ defense. He dismissed the negative talk and urged everyone to focus on Sanders’ talent and potential, not outside noise.

Taking to twitter he said, “I’m watching the draft and I’m seeing a bunch of people talking about ‘Shedeur’s not getting drafted because he doesn’t have anything special. There’s nothing special to him.’ When I hear someone say that I just know they have not watched any of this man’s film — any of it.”

Then he explained why Sanders is special compared to others. He pointed out how Sanders uses his feet effectively, can play from the pocket, and has the rhythm and timing of a true NFL quarterback. He suggested that critics should view the rising star from a coach’s perspective, not as irrelevant outsiders.

Griffin then reminded everyone how much he helped both Jackson State and Colorado. He talked about how Shedeur lifted both programs with his hard work and talent. He also questioned if people were being unfair just because Shedeur is Deion Sanders’ son. He asked fans and scouts to judge Shedeur for what he’s done, not who his father is.

KEEP READING: Stephen A. Smith Blames Shedeur Sanders’ Round 1 Slide on Misinformation Tied to Coach Prime

The 35-year-old ended his message with heart and truth, saying, “What we’re not going to do is sit up there and lie on the young man and say he’s not special. Everything the kid has done has been special.”